VERMICULITE INSULATION
Vermiculite is a naturally occuring mineral composed of shiney flakes which resemble mica.  Mined vermicule is heated to a high temperature and expands 8-30 times its original size (poping like popcorn).  The expanded vermiculite is light weight, fire-resistent and odourless.  This material has been used in numerous products insulation for attics and walls. 

The presence of vermiculite in your home does not automatically mean you have the presence of asbestos in your home.  From 1919 to approx 1990 North America's top producer of vermiculite was a mine near Libby Montana.  About 65% of vermiculite sold during that time came from this mine and in Canada it was sold under the brand name Zonolite.  Along with the vermiculite deposits at the Libby mine there was also a significant asbestos deposit, so the vermiculite from Libby was contaminated with Asbestos.
OUR PROCESS

  • An Inspector will attend the property to assess the current conditions and take samples.  Samples are taken from three areas of the attic and taken to an independant labratory for analysis using approved NIOSH methods.
  • A PDF report will be emailed to you within 48 hours of sampling.  If email is not available we will print and deliver the report to you.  The report will determine if asbestos is present, what exact type of asbestos is present and what the overall percentage is.  You are not REQUIRED to remove asbestos containing vermiculite however it is recommended. 
  • Removal time is scheduled.  A containment area will be set up at the attic hatch area according to Ontario Regulations 278/05. 
  • Vacuum lines from our truck will be brought into the attic and technicians will vacuum the vermiculite directly into containment housed in the truck.
  • After the vermiculite is removed technicians will apply a lock tight chemical to the base of the attic. This chemical acts as a vapour barrier and locks any airborne particals to the floor of the attic.
  • The attic environment is left for 12 hours to allow any particles that have become airborne to settle into the glue. 
  • Air Quality tests are conducted according to Ontario Regulations 278/05.  Once confirmed there is no asbestos particles in the air the attic is then refilled with new loose fill blown fiberglass insulation